Holiday time: Barack Obama spotted on vacation in Palm Springs

Outgoing President Barack Obama has headed off on vacation to Palm Springs, California, as his successor President Donald Trump settles into the White House. However, far from looking relaxed and carefree as his second term in office came to an end, President Obama looked to be deep in thought as he headed home from a workout at the gym, escorted by a smaller motorcade that that he has become used to in recent years.

Mr Obama, who was the 44th president of the United States, has opted to spend the first few days out of office playing golf and working out at the Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage. He was snapped holding his head in one hand as he headed back to his holiday home.

However, he looked to be in good spirits over the weekend when he was seen playing golf and driving himself around in a golf cart at the plush Porcupine Creek Golf Club, which sits just outside Palm Springs. Mr Obama was spotted with a handful of secret service agents playing the 18-hole course.

Security protection

Mr Obama will now always have security protection now for the rest of his life, after a bill he passed three years ago. Previously, outgoing presidents had protection officers for a decade after leaving office. However, all presidents now have protection for the rest of their lives. Mr Obama and his wife Michelle are staying at the mansion of Spanish ambassador James Costos and his husband, the interior designer Michael Smith, as they wind down following eight years in the White House.

Golf Digest has ranged the golf course in Rancho Mirage as one of the top 20 courses in California. It is owned by Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison as part of a huge $75million estate and membership of the course is by invitation only.